61: The people who spontaneously resisted the war have won the support of the people!

Commander Fang met with Councilman Zhuang, who had come to visit, in the reception room shortly after.

Councilman Zhuang, full name Zhuang Zimo, was the leader of Darwin City's largest Chinese political party and was originally a strong contender for the next mayor of Darwin City. However, due to the current situation, he had been overshadowed.

Nevertheless, since the rise of the Anti-War Army, Councilman Zhuang had remained quiet. Commander Fang had previously arrested many saboteurs and rebels in the city, none of whom belonged to the Chinese political party, indicating that Councilman Zhuang had disciplined his subordinates well and was unwilling to get involved with either the Anti-War Army or the U.S. Military.

So why had he taken the initiative to meet him at this time?

"Greetings, esteemed leader of the Anti-War Army. My name is Zhuang Zimo, a former councilman of the city council and a registered representative of the Chinese political party. You once saw me at the army formation ceremony. Do you still remember?"

Commander Fang nodded, then suddenly asked, "Mr. Zhuang, do you still understand the language of the Dragon Kingdom?"

Zhuang Zimo paused, then nodded, "Yes."

Commander Fang: "How's your proficiency?"

Zhuang Zimo: "Native speaker level."

Commander Fang then proceeded to communicate with Zhuang Zimo in the language of the Dragon Kingdom.

"May I ask what brings you to see me, Mr. Zhuang?"

Upon hearing Commander Fang's fluent Chinese, also at a native speaker level, a look of joy appeared in Zhuang Zimo's eyes as he replied,

"I was fortunate enough to hear Commander Fang's inspiring speeches in the central square. I deeply empathized with them and specially came to pay my respects."

"The Anti-War Army, in order to defend Darwin City from U.S. Military aggression, fought bravely and fearlessly. They are truly role models for us."

Commander Fang accepted these compliments calmly, stating, "This is as it should be. Protecting the city is our mission."

Zhuang Zimo: "Therefore, to express our support for the Anti-War Army, we wish to contribute a small token of our appreciation and provide your army with what we can... This is the gift list. The goods are queuing outside, waiting for inspection before being put into storage. Please take a look first."

Commander Fang took the gift and support list handed to him by Zhuang Zimo and began to browse.

"2000 kg of flour, 2000 kg of rice, 5000 servings of self-heating food, 4000 cans of various types, 10,000 bottles of mineral water, 8000 sets of bandages and medical alcohol, 5000 kg of fresh vegetables, 14,000 packs of compressed biscuits..."

Commander Fang looked up in surprise, blurting out, "Mr. Zhuang, this is—"

He had originally thought that Zhuang Zimo's visit, full of flattery and compliments, was merely a formality.

After all, judging by the casualty ratio on the first day, the Anti-War Army had not only not been defeated by the U.S. Military's offensive but had also gained an advantage. If Zhuang Zimo wanted to hedge his bets, expressing goodwill at this time would do no harm, as no one could predict the future.

But Zhuang Zimo had actually come with tangible benefits to build a relationship, and all of it was urgently needed logistical supplies for the Anti-War Army. This clearly indicated a strong inclination.

So Commander Fang was a little unsure how to respond.

"Mr. Zhuang, this, how can this be..."

Zhuang Zimo waved his hand and said, "Commander-in-Chief Fang, please don't be modest."

"Throughout the history of human warfare, there have been very few instances where a defending side in a siege battle specifically demarcated military and non-military zones, with the army defending outside while the citizens lived safely inside."

"But you have achieved it. Your mass line is impressive, and your army truly did not harm a single hair of the people in the non-combat zone. Your army is a moral exemplar, a military benchmark."

"We, the people being protected, naturally should also express our gratitude."

Zhuang Zimo left, taking nothing with him.

Commander Fang was still somewhat dazed.

It was not surprising that the other party intended to establish good relations.

But what time was it now? At this moment, the entire city was under siege, and almost all supplies could only come from reserves, as the city itself had very limited production capacity. Every day that supplies were used, there would be less of them.

Under such circumstances, Zhuang Zimo came with a large amount of scarce supplies to build a relationship. Was he confident that his side would win?

Or did he have other motives?

A flicker of thought arose, and Commander Fang seemed to connect something, but he did not delve deeper.

Soon, with Zhuang Zimo leading the way, the leaders of several other political parties in the city also came to comfort the troops with some supplies.

Of course, the scale of their aid was incomparable to what Zhuang Zimo had provided.

Ultimately, outside the command center, car after car of practical supplies gathered.

Not only these political parties, but also many ordinary citizens brought various supplies, requesting to provide support to the Anti-War Army.

Commander Fang personally came to the edge of the combat and non-combat zones, looking at the countless citizens carrying large and small bags, feeling quite moved.

It seemed that the spiritual impact of the morning's memorial ceremony was very significant.

These ordinary citizens, even if they had originally been hostile to the Anti-War Army, were still moved after seeing the Anti-War Army make so many sacrifices to defend the city.

Commander Fang looked at the ordinary citizens, speaking with emotion and loudly:

"I understand everyone's sincerity, and on behalf of the Anti-War Army, I thank you all."

"But I cannot accept your offerings."

"Not taking a single thread or needle from the masses—this is an ironclad rule set by the Anti-War Army, and it cannot be violated—"

One person loudly stated, "Commander, this is our voluntary support, it's not being taken away—"

Commander Fang, however, shook his head, "Although the form is different, the essence is the same."

"These supplies are the foundation of your survival, especially during these days of war."

"I cannot predict how long this war will last. I will end it as soon as possible, and before that, I do not wish for the war to affect everyone's lives too much, and I am even less willing for any citizen to fall into hardship because of the Anti-War Army."

"In short, I appreciate everyone's kindness. Please do not gather here anymore."

Commander Fang turned and left.

Commander Fang's resolute departure moved the ordinary citizens present even more.

The Anti-War Army was truly thinking of the people.

—

On the third day of the war, the U.S. Military launched another fierce offensive.